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My mom has a new problem that sounds like pneumaturia (gas in bladder) caused by UTI or a fistula in her bladder to her colon. She has no pain and doesn’t think she has a UTI. She did have a very bad bout of constipation a few weeks ago. I’ve sent a message to her doctor, who we just saw for her annual less than a month ago.
At her age, surgery for a fistula sounds like it would be off the table. Oy vey!

The urinalysis revealed high protein, blood, nitrates and leukocytes, so she just started a course of Bactrim while we wait for the culture to see if they chose the right antibiotic. Her bloodwork is a mess with strong indications of inflammation. If her symptoms (only the gas in bladder so far) don’t improve in 2 days we’ll be hearing about next steps. I’ll be pushing for imaging. Regardless of treatment options, I think we need to know what is actually going on in order to make informed decisions.
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Reply to ShirleyDot
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Hope21 11 hours ago
I am sorry you and your mother are enduring this. I pray for answers soon, a clear way to relief, and peace for you both. Thank you for educating us all with your wisdom and also about this subject that not everyone is aware of.
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I hope her doctor can give you some good answers.
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Reply to JustAnon
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According to what I researched, the treatment will depend on what caused it, so you need to figure out the cause. A UTI in an older woman doesn't always cause pain but may have other symptoms. Was she recently catheterized, had a cystoscopy, bladder surgery or another urinary procedure, which can temporarily introduce air?
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Reply to Geaton777
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ShirleyDot Jul 20, 2026
No, none of those things.

Her mother had a fistula, colon to bladder, as a result of diverticulitis in her 60s which resulted in a resection and long recovery. So there is family history. And I imagine that tissue thins and weakens by the time you are in your 90s. I will update.
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